Voices of Conscience: Jesuit Declaration on Gaza - A Call for Justice, Peace, and Fraternity

By Midhun J Francis, Sj, New Age Islam 2 April 2024 Introduction: Speaking Truth To Power The Declaration Of The Jesuits, Titled "We Cannot Be Silent!", Echoes The Collective Outcry Of The Jesuit Community And Many Others Globally Regarding The Ongoing Conflict In Gaza. Approved By Arturo Sosa Abascal, The General Of The Society Of Jesus, This Statement Underscores The Imperative Of Moral Responsibility In The Face Of Human Suffering And Injustice. As The Guns Persist In Their Deadly Symphony, The Jesuits, Alongside Numerous Individuals Of Diverse Faiths And Beliefs, Assert Their Commitment To Vocal Opposition Against The Death And Destruction That Continue To Afflict Gaza And Its Neighbouring Regions. A Palestinian family outside of a destroyed house after an Israeli air strike, in the city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, on October 12, 2023. ----- Bearing Witness to Tragedy In the wake of the devastating attacks on southern Israel in October 2023 and the subsequent Israeli bombardments of Gaza, followed by a ground offensive leaving swathes of the region in ruins, the Jesuits bear witness to the unfolding tragedy. The toll of the conflict is staggering, with tens of thousands of lives lost, countless more injured, displaced, and now facing famine and disease. The declaration mourns the loss of nearly 1,800 Israelis and over 32,000 Palestinians, highlighting the profound human cost of the protracted conflict. Unveiling the Horrors: A Call to Action The declaration unveils the grim realities of the Gaza conflict, lamenting the relentless violence and devastation that have persisted for almost six months. It vividly portrays the dire humanitarian crisis resulting from Israeli bombardments, ground offensives, and the ensuing famine and disease outbreaks. The staggering toll on human lives, with thousands dead and countless others wounded, displaced, and destitute, serves as a stark indictment of the failure to uphold fundamental principles of human dignity and rights. Rejecting Silence: The Jesuit Commitment In resolute defiance of indifference and complacency, the Jesuits affirm their steadfast commitment to break the silence surrounding the Gaza crisis. They denounce the inaction and impunity that have allowed the conflict to perpetuate, emphasizing the moral imperative to speak out against injustice and advocate for peace. By amplifying their voices in prayer, protest, and solidarity, the Jesuits epitomize the conscientious dissent against the normalization of violence and suffering. Championing Alternatives: A Vision of Hope Central to the declaration is the articulation of alternative pathways to peace and reconciliation. Rejecting the false dichotomy between violence and dialogue, vengeance and reconciliation, the Jesuits espouse the prophetic vision of a future characterized by harmony, justice, and non-violence. Drawing inspiration from sacred scriptures, they envision a transformative paradigm shift where swords are transformed into plowshares, and nations forsake the path of war for the pursuit of collective well-being. The declaration laments the absence of accountability for the perpetrators of violence and the perpetuation of conflict in a region sacred to multiple faiths. Through their engagement with Middle Eastern communities over decades, the Jesuits emphasize the imperative of choosing reconciliation over vengeance, justice over wrongdoing, and dialogue over violence. Echoes of Solidarity: Aligning with Papal Advocacy The Jesuits align their stance with the unequivocal denunciation of war by Pope Francis, emphasizing the moral imperative to view armed conflict as an unequivocal failure. By echoing the Pope's calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and inclusive negotiations, the Jesuits reinforce the urgency of concerted diplomatic efforts aimed at securing lasting peace and justice in the Middle East. Conclusion: A Call to Conscience In conclusion, the Declaration of the Society of Jesus on Gaza serves as a poignant reminder of the ethical imperative to confront injustice and advocate for peace in the face of human suffering. By refusing to remain silent and amplifying their voices of conscience, the Jesuits exemplify the transformative power of moral courage and solidarity. As the world grapples with the enduring spectre of conflict and division, the message of hope and reconciliation articulated in this declaration resonates as a beacon of light amidst the darkness of despair. ------ An occasional columnist for New Age Islam, Midhun J Francis Kochukallan SJ is a Jesuit priest from Kerala in India. URL: https://newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/jesuit-declaration-gaza-justice-peace-fraternity/d/132062 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism